[This post was first published in 2007 on the HB and is republished in response to some recent comments here] Sometime back the question was raised: We know that there are at least two categories of people within Scripture, the elect, and . . . Continue reading →
Christian Life
HB Classic: Holograms, Gnosticism, Celebrity, and Mission
[Originally published March 6, 2010] In view of a recent post by Carl Trueman concerning virtual preachers now seems a good time to republish this HB classic. § Two jarring facts came to my attention in recent days. The first of these is . . . Continue reading →
Leaving, Leaning, and Looking (Phil 3:8-14)
The time after Christmas, including, in some places Boxing Day—for which different etymologies have been given—is a time for writing thank you notes. The Apostle Paul also wrote a thank you letter and the Spirit of God preserved it for us in . . . Continue reading →
Using the HB Effectively
In our unceasing attempt to serve you we’re always adding features to the HB. One of them is the categories resource. It’s a useful way to track discussions on a particular topic. There is also a search option on the top of . . . Continue reading →
Winter in North County San Diego December 2012
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Top Posts For 2012
The Most Downloaded Posts Of 2012 Baptism: The Doctrine that Caused Tears (4) Deconstructing Puritanism Resources on Understanding the Differences Between the Lutheran and Reformed Traditions Brothers We Are Not Perfectionists Baptism: The Doctrine That Caused Tears (1) Covenant Theology Is Not . . . Continue reading →
Subscribing to the Heidelcast (Updated)
New (Old) Heidelcasts Uploaded
Christianity Gravely Threatened in the Middle East
Christianity is in serious danger of being wiped out in its biblical heartlands because of Islamic oppression, according to a new report from a leading independent think-tank. But Western politicians and media largely ignore the widespread persecution of Christians in the Middle . . . Continue reading →
The Forgotten Second Point
In a controversial decision, at synod Kalamazoo (1924), the Christian Reformed Church adopted “Three Points” on “Common Grace” (Gemeene Gratie). They are: Concerning the favorable attitude of God toward mankind in general and not only toward the elect, the Synod declares that . . . Continue reading →
Should We Stop Using the Expression “Reformed Faith”?
NB: The post below contains some friendly intramural discussion between colleagues. It’s what scholars do. It’s how we make progress in understanding, by tossing things back and forth and gaining clarity along the way. This sort of thing troubles some people so let . . . Continue reading →
Office Hours: Bob Godfrey on Hebrews 3:7-4:13 (1)
Bob Godfrey is on Office Hours, this time to discuss Hebrews 3:7–4:13. We’re discussing how Hebrews treats the problem of apostasy and hypocrisy, Scripture, and the Sabbath. These are thorny questions but Bob is very helpful in walking us through them. I hope you’ll listen . . . Continue reading →
New: Riddlebarger on 1Corinthians
Kim Riddlebarger has a new commentary on 1Corinthians forthcoming in the Lectio Continua series. He’s got the information on the RB. The Lectio Continua series is a new exegetical, Reformed commentary, on Scripture, edited by Jon Payne, pastor of Grace PCA in . . . Continue reading →
Resources on Understanding the Differences Between the Lutheran and Reformed Traditions
A friend posted something on Twitter this AM that reminded me how little the two traditions understand each other today. In the 16th and 17th centuries our traditions were involved intense, frequent discussions and interaction and we understood each other more clearly . . . Continue reading →
Brothers We Are Not Perfectionists
Introduction In the doctrine of sanctification there are several errors to be avoided. First, let’s define our terms and understand what the basic biblical (and confessional Reformed) doctrine of sanctification is. The verb “to sanctify” is Latin. It is the word from . . . Continue reading →
Office Hours: Joel Kim on Hebrews 3:1-6
Joel Kim is back for another episode of Office Hours, this time to discuss Hebrews 3:1-6. Joel is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary California. In this episode we discussed the superiority of Jesus to Moses and what it means to fix . . . Continue reading →
So Many Reasons
On this day we rightly pause to give thanks for the innumerable blessings we have received, both those common to all image bearers and those saving benefits particular to believers. Chief among the latter are saving faith and Spirit-wrought union with Christ . . . Continue reading →
Office Hours: Joel Kim on Hebrews 2:14-18
Joel Kim spent some time in the office to discuss Hebrews 2:14–18. Joel is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Westminster Seminary California. In this episode we discussed what it means for Jesus to “share in flesh and blood” and to be delivered from . . . Continue reading →
A Case for A-millennialism Available on Kindle
Kim Riddlebarger’s excellent book, A Case for Amillennialism is now available for Kindle. I just got my copy (to go along with the print version on my shelf). You never know when you might need to make reference via mobile device. Here’s . . . Continue reading →
Children Can Memorize But Are The Adults Willing?
Parents and other catechists have sometimes said or implied to me that children just aren’t able to memorize in the modern age and therefore we shouldn’t insist that they memorize Scripture or catechism. This morning I had reason to doubt that. I . . . Continue reading →
















